Thursday, September 6, 2007

The card above is another challenge card (I guess I really like challenges!). The idea was to use at least one of the new punches from the 2007-08 SU catalog. Since my Circle Scallop Punch just died (wahhhhh), I chose to use the 5-Petal Punch. After realizing that it doesn't work with some of the sets I own -- I think SU needs a 6 petal punch -- I decided to make Poinsettias!

These are very easy -- Just punch the flower twice, then edge with white ink -- then stack. I pushed gingham ribbon through the holes on the clear buttons. This was no easy feat, and I have tiny holes all over my fingertips from pushing the ribbon through the button holes! Good thing the gingham was RED! After ruining all the nerve endings in my finger tips, I layered the buttons on top of the flowers. I hope this is a new way for you to use your 5-petal punch, too!

On Sunday a friend and I (Hi Rose!) decided to do a little one-on-one exchange for "Card Candy". The pieces above are my submissions to her. Card Candy are little embellishments that you make and attach to acetate for others -- so that they can peel them off and use them on their own creations, These are fun and addictive to do! I need to host a swap for these...

I made Rose some poinsettias, too. I put some gems in the center of hers. I hope she likes them! I have to say I am certainly getting my money's worth out of my punches this year -- I used 8 of them to make Rose's Candy.

Since I am on a Christmas theme in this post, I thought I would show this card I did for a recent swap. Don't adjust your screen colors -- this one is in Pomegranate and Green instead of the red and green above. It looks a bit washed out here, but it is prettier in person, I think!

I love your cards because they are beautiful and also easy for a beginner. I was beading with my grand-daughter Haley this weekend and the instructions called for a wire needle. It is only a thin piece of wire folded in half. The eye can be as big as you want it to be and perfect for ribbon. HTH Thanks for the inspiration.